The Pacific Agri-Innovate Competition 2024 for Fiji was launched by the Deputy Prime and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica in Suva today.
This competition is an initiative under The Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems in Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands (STODAS). Funded by the European Union and Implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
This initiative is proudly supported by the Business Assistance Fiji (BAF).
The aim of this competition is to strengthen domestic agricultural production and consumption through a resilient and sustainable agrifood system transformation.
STODAS is implemented in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture in each country and with the technical support of the FAO. Fiji – Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Samoa – Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and Solomon Islands – Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
“In Fiji and the Pacific, agriculture is more than an industry—it’s a way of life, vital for our communities, income, and food security. As we advance towards a greener economy, agriculture must evolve to address new challenges and seize emerging opportunities for economic success,” said Hon. Kamikamica.
He said this competition aims to give MSMEs in agriculture a platform to showcase their innovative ideas in crop cultivation to Fiji and the Pacific region.
“Through this competition, we aim to empower you with the resources, mentorship, and exposure necessary to turn your innovative ideas into viable, sustainable agriculture businesses.
“Fiji Government with the collaboration of FAO and BAF are excited to announce that this competition also provides an opportunity for MSMEs participating in the event to pioneer the very first agri-business incubation centre that develop, support, and accelerate the agricultural startups and innovations in Fiji,” he said.
Assistant FOA Representative to Fiji, Ms. Joann Young said that FOA has worked with MTCSMEC and the Ministry for Agriculture and Waterways to support agribusinesses in Fiji and has partnered with BAF, which has a strong private sector network.
“MSMEs in the agriculture sector often faces challenges such as limited access to markets, lack of technical expertise, and inadequate financial resources.
“The Agri-Innovate Competition seeks to address these challenges by providing a platform for MSMEs to showcase their innovative ideas, products, and services and gain access to the support and resource that they need to succeed,” she said.
Ms. Young encourages all aspiring Agri-entrepreneurs, innovators, including government, development partners, private sector actors and civil society organisations, to support and promote this initiative and help us build a thriving ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.
BAF General Manager Mr. Ramesh Chand provided a detailed explanation of the competition. He elaborated on its goals, structure, and how it aims to support and highlight innovative agribusinesses in the region.
As part of the STODAS project, the 2024 Pacific Agri-Innovate Competition has been launched to identify, select, train and empower MSMEs and agribusinesses in agriculture and allied sectors.
Participating entrepreneurs and agri-businesses will also be able to benefit from the three physical agribusiness incubation centres that will be established under STODAS – one in each of Fiji, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands.
Together, we will support aspiring Agri-entrepreneurs, including women and youth, fostering sustainable agrifood transformation in the Pacific.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
- Innovators and entrepreneurs currently running a business in agriculture sector.
- Enterprises must be registered in Fiji, Samoa or Solomon Islands.
- Scalable and Market-Ready Ventures with commercial viability and growth potential.
- Applications would be evaluated on the basis of innovation & USP, Commercial viability, team strength, Traction and Value and Job Creation.
Timeline
Phase 1: Launch and Call for Applications (August – September)
- August 23: Launch competition and open applications.
- September 15: Applications close
Phase 2: Evaluation and Bootcamp (September – October)
- September 26: Announcement of entries selected for bootcamp
- September 30 – October 11: Conduct virtual boot camp with mentoring sessions.
Phase 3: Showcase and Selection (October)
- October 15-16: Showcase event in Fiji.
- October 23-24: Showcase event in Solomon Islands.
- October 28-29: Showcase event in Samoa.
- October (ongoing): Top three entrants from each country will be identified.
Phase 4: SIDS Solutions Forum and Capacity Building (November – January)
- November 5-8: Showcase 9 winners at SIDS Solutions Forum in Fiji.
- November – January: Develop the capacity of local partners to continue the Pacific Agri-Innovate Competition in 2025.
Deliverables and Outcomes
Following the closing date of the 2024 Pacific Agri-Innovate Competition, a number of potential agribusinesses will be selected after evaluation and screening in each country (Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands) for participation in a virtual bootcamp.
After the online bootcamp sessions, they will be invited for an on-site Agribusiness Champions Showcase (one event in each country with a local country partner), after which three high-potential companies in each of the three countries will be selected.
These nine potential agribusinesses chosen from across the three countries will be awarded USD 1000 each along with two days fully funded travel to attend and showcase their product or service at the prestigious Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Solutions Forum in Fiji from 5 to 8 November 2024.
The Agri-business incubator agencies in government are:
Fiji: Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Samoa: Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS).
Solomon Islands: Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI).
Click on the link given below to apply:
https://pacificagri-innovate.org/application-form/
Visit the website: https://pacificagri-innovate.org/
